294_National Individual Consultant for Supporting the Network of Conflict Analysts in Donetsk, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts and for Piloting Early Warning Mechanisms in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts

Background

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1. Background Information on the Project:

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been active and present in eastern Ukraine for the past decade, prior to the conflict, with a focus on community development, civil society development, and environmental protection. Work on addressing the specific conflict-related development challenges built on this earlier engagement, established partnerships, and started in 2015 through the United Nations Recovery and Peacebuilding Programme (UN RPP). UN RPP is a multi-donor funded framework programme formulated and led by the UNDP in collaboration with the Government of Ukraine and in cooperation with a number of partnering UN agencies (UN Women, FAO, UNFPA). UN RPP was designed to respond to, and mitigate, the causes and effects of the conflict in the east of Ukraine. It is an integral component of the UNDP Country Programme and is therefore fully aligned with the United Nations Partnership Framework (UNPF).

 

In October 2018, four UN agencies (UNDP, UN Women, FAO and the UNFPA) have countersigned a new joint project document, funded by the EU. The overall objective of the project is to restore effective governance, support economic recovery and promote reconciliation in the crisis-affected communities of Donetsk, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts in Ukraine, thereby enhancing the credibility and legitimacy of local governments in the government-controlled areas of the regions. It will contribute to peacebuilding and prevent further escalation of the conflict in Ukraine through effective and accountable decentralization, gender-responsive recovery planning and equal access to services, as well as enhanced economic recovery and development.

Component ??? of UN RPP “Community Security and Social Cohesion” aims to reach some of its goals through small grants and mini-initiatives fund establishment. This includes implementation support of the projects strengthening community security and social cohesion through testing innovative legal aid, access to justice, conflict resolution and peacebuilding mechanisms at local level.

UN RPP recognizes the importance of promoting dialogue mechanisms in the conflict-affected regions in Ukraine. To address the issue, the Programme has been supporting the development of the Geoinformation System for Conflict Analysis and Resolution in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts which helps collecting structured data about community conflicts and provides conflict resolution guidance to local communities. Moreover, in order to strengthen the efforts in creating resilient and sustainable conflict resolution mechanisms in the target communities, the Programme plans to pilot early warning and early response (EWER) mechanisms in the region. Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) systems aim to forecast and prevent conflicts –proactive approach to the management of conflicts. In other words, EWER predicts and calls for the prevention of conflicts that are not yet manifest or seen by all as imminent, as opposed to monitoring conflicts that are already unfolding and evident. To fulfill these goals, the Programme is seeking a qualified expert with a background in conflict analysis, conflict resolution and prevention.

Duties and Responsibilities

2. Main objectives of the assignment 

The overall objectives of this assignment are: 

• Contributing to extension of the Geoinformation system for conflict analysis and resolution to Zaporizhzhia oblast through selection of conflict analysts, capacity building, advisory support and supervision over their activities. Supporting the existing network of conflict analysts working with the Geoinformation system for conflict analysis and resolution in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts through capacity building and supervision.
• Supporting and overseeing proper functioning of the analytical block of the Geoinformation system for conflict analysis and resolution.
• Piloting conflict early warning mechanisms in the communities of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts.

 

3. Description of Responsibilities/Scope of work

The Individual Consultant for Supporting the Network of Conflict Analysts in Donetsk, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts and for Piloting Early Warning Mechanisms in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, will be responsible for:

a) Contributing to extension of the Geoinformation system for conflict analysis and resolution to Zaporizhzhia oblast through selection of conflict analysts, capacity building, advisory support and supervision over their activities. Supporting the existing network of conflict analysts working with the Geoinformation system for conflict analysis and resolution in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts through capacity building and supervision:

• Preparing a call for selection of analysts for the Geoinformation system in Zaporizhzhia oblast and selecting at least 15 potential candidates among active citizens. The list should contain a brief description of each candidate, highlighting why this person is proposed to be selected as an analyst and what his/her strengthens and weaknesses are. Preparing presentations about the system and holding 2 online presentations for potential candidates from Zaporizhzhia oblast.

• Preparing study materials and conducting an induction 3-days (online or offline) training for the selected candidates. The training should include information on the theory of conflict, methods of conflict analysis, practical skills of working with the Geoinformation system, and conflict mapping. All logistical costs related to organization of the training will be covered by the Programme.
• Based on the training and assessment, revise the selection list and propose any changes with clear justification in the brief description of each candidate (at least 10 candidates to be selected).
• Preparing study materials and conducting advanced training, 3-days (online or offline), on monitoring and supervising conflict situations in the Geoinformation system. The course should include information on early response, conflict escalation, methods of conflict projection, analysis of conflict potential in specific communities. All logistical costs related to organization of the training will be covered by the Programme.
• Conducting regular coordination of the work of conflict analysts in Zaporizhzhia oblast and preparing monthly reports on their activities. At least 30 conflicts shall be analyzed according to the developed methodology by the network of analysts in Zaporizhzhia oblast and added to the Geoinformation system.

 

b) Supporting and overseeing proper functioning of the analytical block of the Geoinformation system for conflict analysis and resolution:

• Adding conflict cases on the online map on the Geoinformation system’s website and removing outdated or resolved conflicts upon Supervisor’s approval.
• Preparing monthly reports on the conflict cases added to the system by conflict analysts. Providing analytical insight into the conflicts according to existing methodology.
• Preparing recommendations for improving existing methodology of conflict analysis in the Geoinformation system, in particular preparing recommendations on improving instruments for data collection, methods of conflict analysis, early response system, etc.

 

c) Piloting conflict early warning mechanisms in four communities of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts

• Developing methodology of conflict early warning mechanisms in the conflict affected communities of eastern Ukraine and selected four communities (two in each oblast, approved by Supervisor) for the pilot. Methodology should include description of instruments for data collection about potential conflicts in the selected communities, conflict prediction mechanisms and conflict prevention mechanisms.
• Selecting and training 12 local conflict monitors (3 persons in each community) and 1 conflict analyst for the pilot. Online trainings (at least 3 days) for the conflict monitors should include the following topics: basics of conflict prevention, methods of collecting primary data about conflicts, methods of data verification. Online trainings (at least 3 days) for the conflict analyst should include the following topics: methods of conflict analysis, conflict dynamics, conflict prediction and prevention.
• Piloting conflict early warning mechanism in the selected communities based on the developed methodology for at least 6 months. Piloting should include a full cycle of monitoring and analysis of potential conflict cases (at least 2 long-term and 5 short-term cases in each community). Reports on the activities should be submitted to Supervisor every two months.
• Based on the pilot, develop conflict early response mechanism based on the theory of conflict resolution.
• Prepare presentation of the pilot initiative and present its results in the communities (online). Presentation should include description of the mechanism, key findings, and positive cases.

 

The Consultant will ensure the mainstreaming of gender equality considerations in all aspects of the assignment, promote a safe and enabling environment free of any kind of discrimination and abusive behaviour, respect differences and accord equal spaces and dignity regardless of personnel’s sex, ethnicity, sexual preference, gender identity, (dis)ability or other markers of identity, and use the principles of gender-responsive communications in line with the UNDP corporate standards.

The timeframe is spanning about 9 months, from April 2021 to December 2021. The requested services will be provided according to the agreed workplan and paid in lump sums according to the following schedule.

Deliverables	Tasks description	Deadlines
Deliverable #1	A call for selection of analysts for the Geoinformation system in Zaporizhzhia oblast prepared and a list of at least 15 potential candidates among active citizens submitted for Supervisor’s approval. At least 2 online presentations for potential candidates from Zaporizhzhia oblast about the system held. Supervision over the network of analysts in Donetsk and Luhansk oblast conducted and report on the conflict cases added to the Geoinformation system submitted to Supervisor. At least 10 conflicts added from two oblasts. Methodology of conflict early warning mechanisms in the conflict affected communities of eastern Ukraine developed and submitted to Supervisor; four communities (two in each oblast) for the pilot selected and submitted to Supervisor	By the end of 4th week of the assignment
Deliverable #2	Materials for an induction 3-days training for the selected candidates prepared and the training held. Based on the training, selection list revised and final list of candidates submitted to Supervisor. Supervision over the network of analysts in Donetsk and Luhansk oblast conducted and report on the conflict cases added to the Geoinformation system submitted to Supervisor. At least 10 conflicts added from two oblasts. Trainings for conflict monitors and analyst developed, training curriculum submitted to Supervisor. 12 local conflict monitors (3 persons in each community) and 1 conflict analyst for the pilot trained.	By the end of 10th week of the assignment
Deliverable #3	Regular coordination of the work of conflict analysts in Zaporizhzhia oblast provided. At least 5 conflicts analyzed by the network and added to the Geoinformation system. Monthly report submitted to Supervisor. Study materials for the advanced training on monitoring and supervising conflict situations in the Geoinformation system prepared and the training held for conflict analysts from Zaporizhzhia oblast. Supervision over the network of analysts in Donetsk and Luhansk oblast conducted and report on the conflict cases added to the Geoinformation system submitted to Supervisor. At least 10 conflicts added from two oblasts.	By the end of 14th week of the assignment
Deliverable #4	Regular coordination of the work of conflict analysts in Zaporizhzhia oblast provided. At least 5 conflicts analyzed by the network and added to the Geoinformation system. Monthly report submitted to Supervisor. Supervision over the network of analysts in Donetsk and Luhansk oblast conducted and report on the conflict cases added to the Geoinformation system submitted to Supervisor. At least 10 conflicts added from two oblasts. Report on the piloting of early warning mechanism in the selected communities prepared and submitted to Supervisor.	By the end of 18th week of the assignment
Deliverable #5	Regular coordination of the work of conflict analysts in Zaporizhzhia oblast provided. At least 5 conflicts analyzed by the network and added to the Geoinformation system. Monthly report submitted to Supervisor. Supervision over the network of analysts in Donetsk and Luhansk oblast conducted and report on the conflict cases added to the Geoinformation system submitted to Supervisor. At least 10 conflicts added from two oblasts.	By the end of 22nd week of the assignment
Deliverable #6	Regular coordination of the work of conflict analysts in Zaporizhzhia oblast provided. At least 5 conflicts analyzed by the network and added to the Geoinformation system. Monthly report submitted to Supervisor. Supervision over the network of analysts in Donetsk and Luhansk oblast conducted and report on the conflict cases added to the Geoinformation system submitted to Supervisor. At least 10 conflicts added from two oblasts. Report on the piloting of early warning mechanism in the selected communities prepared and submitted to Supervisor.	By the end of 24th week of the assignment
Deliverable #7	Regular coordination of the work of conflict analysts in Zaporizhzhia oblast provided. At least 5 conflicts analyzed by the network and added to the Geoinformation system. Monthly report submitted to Supervisor. Supervision over the network of analysts in Donetsk and Luhansk oblast conducted and report on the conflict cases added to the Geoinformation system submitted to Supervisor. At least 10 conflicts added from two oblasts.	By the end of 30th week of the assignment
Deliverable #8	Regular coordination of the work of conflict analysts in Zaporizhzhia oblast provided. At least 5 conflicts analyzed by the network and added to the Geoinformation system. Monthly report submitted to Supervisor. Supervision over the network of analysts in Donetsk and Luhansk oblast conducted and report on the conflict cases added to the Geoinformation system submitted to Supervisor. At least 10 conflicts added from two oblasts. Report on the piloting of early warning mechanism in the selected communities prepared and submitted to Supervisor. Presentation of the pilot initiative prepared and presented in each community (online)	By the end of 34th week of the assignment
Deliverable #9	Regular coordination of the work of conflict analysts in Zaporizhzhia oblast provided. At least 5 conflicts analyzed by the network and added to the Geoinformation system. Monthly report submitted to Supervisor. Recommendations for improving existing methodology of conflict analysis in the Geoinformation system prepared and submitted for Supervisor’s approval. Supervision over the network of analysts in Donetsk and Luhansk oblast conducted and report on the conflict cases added to the Geoinformation system submitted to Supervisor. At least 10 conflicts added from two oblasts. Conflict early response mechanism based on the theory of conflict resolution developed and submitted to Supervisor.	By December 10, 2021

 

4. Proposed payment schedule

Payments will be made in 9 stages according to the proposed payment schedule below:

10% - upon submission and approval of report according to Deliverable 1

15% - upon submission and approval of report according to Deliverable 2

10% - upon submission and approval of report according to Deliverable 3

10% - upon submission and approval of report according to Deliverable 4

10% - upon submission and approval of report according to Deliverable 5

10% - upon submission and approval of report according to Deliverable 6

10% - upon submission and approval of report according to Deliverable 7

10% - upon submission and approval of report according to Deliverable 8

15% - upon submission and approval of report according to Deliverable 9

The payments will be paid out upon the full completion and acceptance of deliverables in accordance with certificate of payments provided by the Community Security and Social Cohesion Component Lead.

 

5. Administrative Arrangements

Financial proposals submitted by the candidates for this position should include cost for all logistical, secretarial, personal, travel, communication and other expenses. All expenses related to organization of the events and trainings are covered by UN RPP.

 

6. Monitoring and Progress Controls

The Consultant will work under supervision and directly report to the Community Security and Social Cohesion Component Lead according to the abovementioned schedule.  All reports and materials shall be prepared and transmitted electronically (Formats of: * .docx, * .xlsx, * .pptx,  * .pdf, etc.) to the electronic device or in the form of electronic communication with the final product. The materials/reports should be prepared in Ukrainian.

Competencies

7. Required Skills and Experience

1) At least a Master’s degree or equivalent in Sociology, Economics, Public Affairs or other related field;

2) At least 2 years of proven work experience in conflict resolution, facilitation of dialogue, conflict analysis or related fields;

3) Experience in conducting research and preparing analytical reports, examples of at least 2 reports provided;

4) At least one certificate in Mediation, Conflict Resolution issued by an accredited Ukrainian or international association;

5) Experience in developing analysis on efficiency/impact of the dialogues, dynamics of dialogue process in Ukraine, at least 1 product presented;

6) Experience in coordinating groups of analysts working with the Geoinformation system for conflict analysis and resolution would be a strong asset;

7) Prior experience with conflict resolution activities organized by UNDP would be a strong asset

8) Professional knowledge of Russian and Ukrainian languages, both written and oral, is necessary.

Competencies

• Excellent communication and organization skills;
• Excellent computer skills (including, MS Word);
• Ability to set priorities, meet specific objectives, use political judgment and knowledge;
• Good interpersonal skills, diligence, open mindedness, and dedication;
• Excellent team and networking skills;
• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
• Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment;
• Ensures the mainstreaming of gender equality and women’s empowerment considerations in the field of expertise.

 

8. Documents to be Included when Submitting the Proposals

Applicants shall submit the following documents:

	Personal CV or P11-form including information about previous experience in similar projects / assignments and contact details for referees.
	Financial proposal using UNDP template
	At least 2 positive reference letters from previous customers/employers (the referee’s contact details are required in the document)
	Examples of at least 2 analytical reports to be provided (at least one analytical product on efficiency/impact of the dialogues, dynamics of dialogue process in Ukraine is required) – copies of documents or links to the examples published
	Copy of at least one certificate in Mediation, Conflict Resolution issued by an accredited Ukrainian or international association

 

9. Financial Proposal

 Lump sum contract.

The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount. Payments are based upon output, i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR, according to the abovementioned schedule. In order to assist the requesting unit in the comparison of financial proposals, the financial proposal will include a breakdown of this lump sum amount (including number of anticipated working hours, logistical expenses, etc).  

The IC will be responsible for all administrative expenses associated with undertaking this assignment including office accommodation, printing, stationery, telephone and electronic communications, and report copies incurred in this assignment.

Travel costs

All envisaged travel costs must be included in the financial proposal.

Required Skills and Experience

10. Evaluation criteria

1. Relevant education – 5 points max

{4 pts. – at least Specialist’s/Master’s degree in ; 5 pts. – PhD in one of the relevant areas};

2. Proven work experience in conflict resolution, facilitation of dialogue, conflict analysis or related fields – 15 points max

{12 pts. – 2 year of relevant experience; 15 pts. – more than 2 years of relevant experience};

3. Experience in conducting research and preparing analytical reports, examples of at least 2 reports provided – 10 points max

{8 pts. – at least 2 reports provided; 10 pts. – more than 2 reports provided};

4. At least one certificate in Mediation, Conflict Resolution issued by an accredited Ukrainian or international association – 10 points max

{8 pts. – at least 1 certificate from ; 10 pts. – more than 1 certificate from};

5. Experience in developing analysis on efficiency/impact of the dialogues, dynamics of dialogue process in Ukraine, at least 1 product presented - 15 points max

{12 pts. – one analytical product presented; 15 pts. – more than 1 analytical product presented};

6. Experience in coordinating groups of analysts working with the Geoinformation system for conflict analysis and resolution – 5 points max

{0 pts. – no such an experience; 5 pts. – proved experience in };

7. Prior experience with conflict resolution activities organized by UNDP – 5 points max

{0 pts. – no such an experience; 5 pts. - proved experience in participation in conflict resolution activities organized by UNDP};

8. Professional fluency in Russian and Ukrainian, both written and oral – 5 points max

{5 pts. – professional fluence in Ukrainian and Russian, both written and oral}.

 

11. Evaluation method:

 Cumulative analysis

Contract award shall be made to the incumbent whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

a) responsive/compliant/acceptable, and

b) having received the cumulative highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

* Technical Criteria weight: 70%

* Financial Criteria weight: 30%

Only candidates obtaining a minimum 70% from the maximum available technical score (49 points) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation

The maximum number of points assigned to the financial proposal is allocated to the lowest price proposal and will equal to 30. All other price proposals will be evaluated and assigned points, as per below formula:

30 points [max points available for financial part] x [lowest of all evaluated offered prices among responsive offers] / [evaluated price].

The proposal obtaining the overall cumulatively highest score after adding the score of the technical proposal and the financial proposal will be considered as the most compliant offer and will be awarded a contract.